Waymo and Zoox Test Drivers Injured in Robotaxi Operations

Test drivers operating autonomous vehicles for Waymo and Zoox reported over two dozen injuries between 2024 and 2025. These incidents, stemming from hard braking or other abrupt vehicle maneuvers, highlight safety challenges as robotaxi services scale, according to a TechCrunch review of data submitted to OSHA.

The injuries, which include sprains and whiplash, often occurred due to the sudden tightening of seatbelts or passengers being jolted by unexpected movements within the vehicle. This data underscores the ongoing need for refinement in autonomous driving systems to ensure smoother and safer passenger experiences.

As companies like Waymo and Zoox expand their testing and deployment of self-driving technology, these reported incidents point to the complexities of replicating human driving reflexes and anticipating all potential traffic scenarios. The focus remains on improving the ride quality and minimizing risks.

The data, compiled from OSHA submissions, offers a glimpse into the operational realities of autonomous vehicle testing. While the technology progresses, these findings emphasize the continuous effort required to guarantee passenger safety and comfort in the developing landscape of autonomous transportation.